Impact of Social Capital on Livelihood Success of the Members of Community Based Organizations in Sri Lanka

The study attempted to find out the impact of social capital on livelihood success of the members of community based organizations in Sri Lanka. The sample was selected from the North Central Province in Sri Lanka using multi-stage sampling method. Data were gathered for the structural questionnaire from 183 members conducting face to face interviews. A multiple regression model were developed to examine the association. Three variables of social capital; collective action and cooperation, information and communication and trust and solidarity were used to study the relationship with the livelihood success. Among these three variables, collective action and cooperation and information and communication indicated a significant positive association with livelihood success of the members of community based organizations. Therefore, the study concluded that social capital contributed significantly to the success of livelihoods in the members of community based organizations in Sri Lanka. Facilitating community based organizations for collective action and information and communication and developing network relationships among the members and between the members and external stakeholders will result in the improvement of the livelihood of the members of community based organizations.